Rol, regarding the responsibilities of senior management in the system,
you say you disagree with Deming. Gasp! But your post really struck a
chord.
Blaming senior management is rarely constructive. At my command, I can
see how hard "they" are working to change and help the organization
improve. But, in some cases, I find that "the system" is so big that it
gets away from its leaders. My organization has about 2400 military and
civilian members - which is big enough standing alone. But the REALLY big
system that we're struggling with is the United States Navy - huge. And
sure, there is one guy at the top - but, honestly, can he be held
responsible for how the system works?
On top of the heresy of disagreeing with Deming, here is the blasphemy of
questioning the idea of absolute accountability. If the ship runs
aground, the Captain is relieved of his command, even if he was asleep in
his stateroom when it happened. Why? Because he is held accountable for
everything that happens on the ship; or, in other words, he is totally
responsible for the system. Should he be blamed?
No easy answers, but thanks, Rol, for helping me think.
-- Jane Collins TQL Coordinator Naval Air Station Pensacola b624!b624a!collins@gate.ncts.navy.mil